A FLOOD of employment tribunal claims following the abolishment of “unlawful” fees means businesses in and around Ludlow must ensure contracts of employment and their procedures are updated and watertight.

The warning has been issued by employment lawyer Sally Morris, who is urging firms in the county to ensure they are complying with their legal obligations especially surrounding disciplinary action and grievances.

Ms Morris, (right) partner and head of the employment and HR services department at Ludlow law firm mfg Solicitors, said there had been a 90 per cent rise in tribunal claims issued between October and December last year, following a landmark Supreme Court decision in July 2017 against the controversial fees.

Fees for bringing a tribunal claim were introduced in 2013 and resulted in a significant reduction in claims as aggrieved parties weighed up the costs of taking action. They were abolished last summer, four years on.

“The impact of last summer’s court ruling was significant and far-reaching,” said Ms Morris. “On the whole, what the decision means is that it’s now far easier to bring a claim."